PDP wants separatist Malik shifted to Srinagar

Madni said that the Government of India cannot ignore the mounting concerns of the people of the state about the deteriorating health of the JKLF Chief.

SP Sharma | Jammu | April 22, 2019 5:23 pm

Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman, Muhammad Yasin Malik along with the members of All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) participate in a demonstration in support of Article 35A in Srinagar on August 21, 2018. (File Photo: IANS)

A day before polling in South Kashmir’s Anantnag, where Mehbooba Mufti is the candidate for the Lok Sabha seat, the PDP on Monday demanded immediate shifting of the banned JKLF leader Yasin Malik to Srinagar from Delhi because of his health problems.

Malik was being questioned by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a case of alleged terror funding by Pakistan.

PDP leader Sartaj Madni, who is maternal uncle of Mehbooba, in a statement, said Malik’s declining health was a major cause of concern and deeply worrying.

Madni said that the Government of India cannot ignore the mounting concerns of the people of the state about the deteriorating health of the JKLF Chief.

He said that Malik’s family has already expressed concern over the way in which his health is being “ignored” in an outright manner and that there are apprehensions if adequate medical facilities aren’t put in place for Malik, his life could well be in danger.

He said that even if ideologically there is a deep chasm between separatists and New Delhi and their views do not square with each other, “vindictive approach” against them is unconstitutional, illegitimate and inhuman.

Madni demanded that Malik should be immediately shifted to Srinagar and treated there.

According to the PDP leader, shifting Malik to Kashmir will facilitate his family to take care of him and will also pacify people who are concerned over his failing health.